Displaying complementary content sources

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented method includes receiving a first URL address corresponding to a first web page, accessing content and serving the first web page based on the first URL address, receiving specification of a second URL address corresponding to a second web page, changing from the first web page to the second web page based on the received specification of the second URL address, motivating an automatic change in television channel from a first television channel to a second television channel based upon a change from the first web page to the second web page, and displaying the second television channel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/495,333, filed on Feb. 1, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,707, which isincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to displaying complementary sources of content.

BACKGROUND

The computer system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 represents a typicalhardware setup for executing software that allows a user to performtasks such as communicating with other computer users, accessing variouscomputer resources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulatingelectronic content—that is, various combinations of text, images,movies, music or other sounds, animations, 3D virtual worlds, and linksto other objects. The system includes various input/output (I/O) devices(mouse 103, keyboard 105, display 107) and a general purpose computer109 having a central processor unit (CPU) 111, an I/O unit 113 and amemory 115 that stores data and various programs, such as an operatingsystem 117 and one or more application programs 119. The computer system100 also typically includes some sort of communications card or device121 (e.g., a modem or network adapter) for exchanging data with anetwork 123 via a communications link 125 (e.g., a telephone line).

As shown in FIG. 2, a user of a computer system can access electroniccontent or other resources either stored remotely at one or more serversystems 200 or locally at the user's own client system 202 (for example,a personal or laptop computer). An example of a server system 200 is ahost computer that provides subscribers with online computer servicessuch as e-mail, e-commerce, chat rooms, Internet access, and electronicnewspapers and magazines. Users of a host computer's online servicestypically communicate with one or more central server systems 200through client software executing on their respective client systems202. A client system 202 may connect to a server through a modem 204 anda phone line 206, or through a direct connection 207 using a protocolsuch as TCP/IP.

In practice, a server system 200 typically will not be a singlemonolithic entity but rather will be a network of interconnected servercomputers, possibly physically dispersed from each other, each dedicatedto its own set of duties and/or to a particular geographical region. Insuch a case, the individual servers are interconnected by a network ofcommunication links, in known fashion. One such server system is“America Online 5.0” from America Online, Incorporated of Virginia.

A “browser” is an example of client software that enables users toaccess and view electronic content stored either locally or remotely,such as in a network environment (local area network (LAN), intranet,Internet). A browser typically is used for displaying documentsdescribed in Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML) and stored on serversconnected to a network such as the Internet.

A user instructs a browser to access an HTML document, or web page, byspecifying a network address—or Uniform Resource Locator (URL)—at whicha desired document resides. In response, the browser contacts thecorresponding server hosting the requested web page, retrieves the oneor more files that make up the web page, and then displays the web pagein a window on the user's computer screen.

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a browser application 300 (Microsoft InternetExplorer) displaying a typical HTML document, or web page 302. As showntherein, a single web page 302 may be composed of several differentfiles potentially of different data types 304 (for example, text,graphics, images, virtual worlds, sounds, and movies). In addition, aweb page can include links 306 pointing to other resources (for example,web pages or individual files) available on the network. Links 306 cantake virtually any visual form. For example, they can appear either as atext string, a graphical image, or a combination of the two. Each link306 has an associated URL pointing to a location on the network. When auser clicks on, or otherwise selects, a displayed link 306, the browserautomatically will retrieve the web page (or other resource)corresponding to the link's associated URL and execute it or display itto the user.

Referring to FIG. 4, a “web-based TV” system 400 has been developed thatmakes dual usage of conventional TV sets 402. That is, a user ofweb-based TV can watch TV and/or view web pages and otherwise “surf” theInternet. In this regard, a special purpose computer 404, referred to asa “set top device,” is used in connection with standard TV sets 402 forviewing web pages on the Internet. The set top device 404 essentiallyhas the same basic components as the general purpose computer 100illustrated in FIG. 1, except that it also includes a TV tuner 406 forreceiving TV programming in the form of broadcast, satellite, and/orcable TV signals. The set top device 404 thus can selectively displaytwo different sources of content (TV programming received by TV tuner406 and web or network content received by communications card 121) onthe TV monitor 402 connected to the set top device 404.

The web content displayed may be a program that is transmitted only onthe Internet. For example, the programming may be a sports event forwhich a broadcast network has the viewing rights but decides not tobroadcast the event. In such an instance, the broadcast network and anInternet-based TV provider may cooperate to transmit the event acrossthe Internet. The programming also may be a continuous series ofprogramming that is transmitted on the Internet and not otherwisebroadcast.

Accessories may be added to the web-based TV system 400, such as, forexample, a wireless keyboard 408. The wireless keyboard 408 can besimilar to the keyboard 105 but it also may have specialized keysdesigned for use in the web-based TV system 400 to make viewing and websurfing easier. Additionally, a wireless remote control 410 may be usedto control the set top device 404 and to facilitate channel surfing andweb-based TV connections via various buttons 412, which may bespecialized for the web-based TV environment.

An example of an existing web-based TV system 400 is “WebTV” byMicrosoft. Information about WebTV service may be found at WebTV'svarious web pages, for example, at http://www.webtv.net andhttp://developer.webtv.net.

Users of web-based TV may subscribe to a cable TV provider. Cable TVproviders typically provide users an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG),which is a listing of channels that are available to the subscribers ofcable TV providers. Typically, an EPG is displayed on a channel (e.g.,channel 3) dedicated for that purpose. FIG. 5 is an example of an EPG500 from Yahoo!. As shown therein, a list of channels 501 is presentedto users. The channels may be, for example, a combination of broadcastprogramming and Internet-based programming. The schedule 502 for eachchannel typically is presented as a list showing the next several hoursof programming for each channel. The starting and stopping times 503 arepresented as headers at the top of the list of channel schedules. Theuser may use the controls 504 to limit the number of channels presented.For example, by selecting the “Sci-Fi” category 505, the user can limitthe set of channels presented to those showing science fictionprogramming. By using conventional graphical user interface (GUI)manipulation techniques, users of EPGs may be able to scroll through thelist of channels, and may be able to scroll forward in time 506 to seethe schedule for future programs. Users also may be able to select achannel to watch using the EPG.

Different cable TV providers may offer different EPGs. As a result, somechannels may be available to subscribers of one cable TV provider thatare not available to subscribers of another cable TV provider. Aparticular cable TV provider's collection of available TV channels isreferred to as its “Channel Availability.”

In general, a cable TV provider will provide its subscribers not onlywith a basic package of “free” channels that are included with the baseprice, but also with several “pay” (or “subscription”) channels thatsubscribers optionally can elect to receive for additional charges. Thecollections of channels that a subscriber elects to receive typicallyform that subscriber's “channel line-up.” The channels in thesubscriber's line-up are referred to as the “subscribed channels” andthose channels not selected are referred to as the “unsubscribedchannels.” For a particular subscriber, therefore, the availablechannels in the EPG are divided into the subscribed channels and theunsubscribed channels.

SUMMARY

In conventional web-based TV systems, viewers must separately designatefor display a computer network content source (e.g., a specific TVchannel). Using the present system and techniques, viewers need onlydesignate one of the content sources and the web-based TV system willautomatically select a complementary or related TV channel and/or webpage. This capability is referred to as “Featured Tuning.”

In one general aspect, Featured Tuning includes a computer-implementedmethod of displaying related sources of viewing content. The methodincludes receiving a user input specifying a URL address correspondingto a web page, determining a corresponding television channel anddisplaying the corresponding television channel.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, receiving the user input specifying the URL address may furtherinclude executing a Java script function to specify the URL address.Specifying the URL address may include the user specifying the URLaddress.

Determining a corresponding television channel may include comparing theURL address to a list of television channels that includes at least aprimary related television channel and selecting for display the primaryrelated television channel. Determining a corresponding televisionchannel may further include selecting for display a secondary relatedtelevision channel if the primary related television channel is notavailable or is not one to which the user has subscribed and the userhas subscribed to the secondary related television channel and thatchannel is available. Determining a corresponding related source ofviewing content may further include selecting for display a generic pagecalling, a second URL address, or executing a Java script function, ifneither the primary related television channel nor the secondary relatedtelevision channel are available and part of the user's subscription.

Determining a corresponding television channel may further include oneor more of selecting for display a text/graphics template based on thecorresponding selected television channel, selecting for execution anHTML code based on the corresponding selected television channel,selecting for execution a Java script code based on the correspondingselected television channel, selecting for display an advertisement hotspot based on the corresponding selected television channel, andselecting for display a text/graphics template if neither the primaryrelated television channel nor the secondary related television channelare available and part of the user's subscription. A HTML code or a Javascript code may be selected for execution and/or an advertisement may beselected for display, based on the text/graphics template selected.

The computer-implemented method of displaying related sources of viewingcontent may further include receiving a user input specifying auser-selected television channel and displaying the user-selectedtelevision channel in place of the corresponding television channel. Themethod may further include receiving a user input specifying the firstURL address corresponding to a web page and displaying the televisionchannel corresponding to the first URL address.

The computer-implemented method of displaying related sources of viewingcontent may further include selecting for display on the video displayan object relating to the displayed television channel. Selecting theobject for display may include comparing the displayed televisionchannel with a mapping of objects and selecting a primary related objectcorresponding to the displayed television channel. The primary relatedobject may be a generic page or a generic object. Selecting the relatedobject may include calling a second URL address and/or executing a Javascript function.

In the computer-implemented method of displaying related sources ofviewing content, determining a corresponding television channel mayinclude performing a Channel Availability scan to create a list ofchannels available from the television provider, performing asubscription status scan from the list of channels available to create alist of subscribed channels, comparing the URL address to the list ofsubscribed channels, selecting for display the primary relatedtelevision channel if the primary related television channel is on thelist of subscribed channels, and selecting for display the secondaryrelated television channel if the primary related television channel isnot on the list of subscribed channels and the secondary relatedtelevision channel is on the list of subscribed channels.

In another general aspect, a computer-implemented method of displayingrelated sources of viewing content includes receiving a user inputspecifying a television channel, determining a URL address correspondingto the television channel, and displaying a web page corresponding tothe URL address.

In another general aspect, a system for displaying at least two sourcesof viewing content includes a set top box having instructions storedwithin the set top box. The instructions are for receiving a user inputspecifying a URL address corresponding to a web page, determining acorresponding television channel, and displaying the correspondingtelevision channel.

In another general aspect, computer software stored in acomputer-readable medium provides Featured Tuning between a URL addressand a Feature Tuned channel. The software includes instructions forcausing a computer system to perform the following operations: receive auser input specifying a URL address corresponding to a web page,determine a corresponding television channel, and display thecorresponding television channel.

The system and techniques described here may provide one or more of thefollowing features. For example, a web content screen can be designed todisplay content related to a subject matter selected for viewing by auser. The related content may include related advertising, which can bemarketed at a premium because it will be viewed by users interested inthat subject matter. The related content also may include informationrelating to a television channel available to a user but one which theuser has not subscribed to. By viewing information about that channel,the user may be enticed to subscribe to that channel. The system andtechniques also provide a distribution channel for Internet-TV providersand broadcast TV providers to distribute interactive content andadvertising across local and national television line-ups. Thedistributed programming may be consistent across the nation and theassociated advertising may be relevant to the programming. Theprogramming may by leveraged because the system and techniques enablerelated offerings, such as information feeds, tickers, polling,contextual chats, targeted advertisements, instant Record/Remindfunctions, tags, games, and shopping.

In one general aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receivinga first URL address corresponding to a first web page, accessing contentand serving the first web page based on the first URL address, receivingspecification of a second URL address corresponding to a second webpage, changing from the first web page to the second web page based onthe received specification of the second URL address, motivating anautomatic change in television channel from a first television channelto a second television channel based upon a change from the first webpage to the second web page, and displaying the second televisionchannel.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, the method may include browsing the Internet based on thesecond URL address to identify second content relevant to the second URLaddress, and displaying the second content. The method also may includereceiving the identified content from a source other than a broadcastsignal. The method may include browsing the Internet based on the firstURL address to identify first content relevant to the first URL address,displaying the first content, determining the first television channelbased on the first URL address, and displaying the first televisionchannel.

Motivating an automatic change may include determining the secondtelevision channel based upon the second URL address and changing thetelevision channel from the first television channel to the secondtelevision channel in response to receipt of the second URL address. Inone implementation, the method may include browsing the Internet basedon the second URL address to identify second content relevant to thesecond URL address, and displaying the second content, where determiningthe second television channel includes determining the second televisionchannel including television content relevant to but different from thesecond content. In another implementation, the method may includereceiving a user input specifying a user-selected television channelhaving television content different from and unrelated to the secondtelevision channel, and displaying the user-selected television channelin place of the second television channel and concurrently displayingthe second content relevant to the second URL address.

In one implementation, determining the second television channel mayinclude performing a channel availability scan to create a list ofchannels available from the television provider, performing asubscription status scan on the listed channels available to create asubset list of subscribed channels, identifying a primary relatedtelevision channel based on the second URL address, determining whetherthe primary related television channel is one of the listed subscriberchannels, if so, selecting, for display, the primary related televisionchannel, if not, identifying a secondary related television channelbased on the second URL address, determining whether the secondaryrelated television channel is one of the listed subscriber channels, andif so, selecting, for display, the secondary related television channel.

In another implementation, determining the second television channelincludes comparing the second URL address to a list of televisionchannels including at least a primary related television channel, andselecting, for display, the primary related television channel.Determining the second television channel may further includedetermining whether the primary related television channel is available,and if not, identifying a secondary related television channel based onthe second URL address, determining whether the secondary relatedtelevision channel is available, and if so, selecting, for display, thesecondary related television channel. If the secondary relatedtelevision channel is not available a third URL address may be called, aJava script function may be executed, or a text/graphics template may beselected for display. In addition, an HTML code based on thetext/graphics template selected may be selected for execution, a Javascript code based on the text/graphics template selected may be selectedfor execution, or an advertisement based on the text/graphics templateselected may be selected for display.

In some implementations, a text/graphics template based on the secondtelevision channel may be selected for display, an HTML code based onthe second television channel may be selected for execution, a Javascript code based on the second television channel may be selected forexecution, or an advertisement hot spot based on the second televisionchannel may be selected for display.

Receiving the user input specifying the second URL address may includeexecuting a Java script function to specify the second URL address.Specifying the second URL address may include specifying the second URLaddress based on input received from a user.

Some implementations also may include receiving a user input specifyinga user-selected television channel having content different from thesecond television channel, and displaying the user-selected televisionchannel in place of the second television channel and concurrentlydisplaying second content relevant to the second URL address. Oneimplementation further includes receiving a user input specifying thesecond URL address and displaying the second television channel. Anotherimplementation further includes selecting, for display on the videodisplay, an object relating to the second television channel. Selectingthe object for display may include comparing the second televisionchannel with a mapping of objects and selecting a primary related objectcorresponding to the second television channel.

Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, andfrom the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 2 shows a typical network computing environment.

FIG. 3 shows a screenshot of a browser displaying a web page.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a set top device.

FIG. 5 is a screenshot of an electronic programming guide.

FIG. 6 is a data table that includes mapped pairings of URL addressesand TV channels or default screens.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing various sources of information available toa set top box in a web-based TV system.

FIGS. 8–10 are mockups of screenshots of Featured Tuning between a webpage and a cable television channel in a web-based TV environment.

FIG. 11 is a partially complete data table, as would be displayed to auser, that includes mapped pairings of URL addresses and TV Channels ordefault screens.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the decision making process of theFeatured Tuning function.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating how a Feature Tuned channel isdisplayed upon accessing a URL address.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a reversed Featured Tuningfunction used to determine which URL address to display based on a TVchannel.

FIG. 15 is a data table that includes mapped pairings of TV channels andURL addresses.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of Differentiation by ChannelAvailability used to determine what object to display in a web contentscreen.

FIG. 17 is a data table that includes mapped pairings of TV channels andURL addresses used in Differentiation by Channel Availability

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the use of Channel Availability as acriteria to determine the content of the page or object displayed inDifferentiation by Channel Availability.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are mockups of screen shots of web content screensresulting from application of Differentiation by Channel Availability.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the use of Channel Scanning to determineChannel Availability and subscription status.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A web-based TV provider or an Internet-content provider can control thesimultaneous display of web content and TV channels to cause a TVchannel to be displayed when a particular web page is viewed. Thiscontrol is provided using functions such as Content Differentiation byChannel Lineup, Featured Tuning, Channel Scan, and Differentiation byChannel Availability. “Content Differentiation by Channel Lineup” is theability to create web pages such that viewers of those web pages withdiffering cable TV Channel Lineups potentially will view differentcontent on those web pages. Content Differentiation by Channel Lineupcan be used to provide users with multiple sources of coordinated orrelated content (i.e., complementary content) whether or not the variouscontent sources are independent of one another. Content Differentiationby Channel Lineup is implemented using a variety of functions, such asFeatured Tuning, Channel Scan, and Differentiation by ChannelAvailability. These functions use mappings between URL addresses, TVchannels, and objects, such as hyperlinks and advertisements, to causecomplementary content to be displayed based on the content accessed bythe user. “Featured Tuning” is the ability to change a TV channeldisplayed in the picture-in-picture (PIP) window on a monitor to aselected TV channel. Featured Tuning can be used with other functions todecide what TV channel or object, such as an advertisement or hyperlink,to display on a web content screen and then to display that TV channelor object. Featured tuning may include a system and various techniqueswhereby viewers need only designate one of the content sources and theweb-based TV system will automatically select a complementary or relatedTV channel and/or web page. “Channel Scan” is the ability to determinewhat channels are available in a TV viewer's Channel Lineup.“Differentiation by Channel Availability” is the ability to decide whatobject (e.g., TV channel, advertisement, hyperlink) to display on a webcontent screen based on the availability and/or subscription status of aparticular TV channel. Content Differentiation by Channel Lineup alsotakes into account that different users will have different sources ofcontent available, and further, may have chosen to receive differentcontent even if the same content sources are potentially available.

FIG. 6 is an example of a data table 510 that includes mapped pairingsof URL addresses 511 and TV channels 512 or a default screen 513, andprovides an example of how Content Differentiation by Channel Lineup maybe implemented. The URL addresses 511 and the TV channels 512 may becomplementary of the other. The data table is programmed into a set-topbox such that clicking on one of the URL addresses listed in the tablewhile on the Internet causes the “selected” mapped TV channel or defaultscreen to be displayed (i.e., Featured Tuning) in a window (referred toas a “picture-in-picture” or “PIP”) on a computer monitor. The mappingcan be specified by an Internet content provider and downloaded from ahost computer, or it can be specified locally by the user. The Internetcontent provider (e.g., a web site operator, online service provider(OSP), web-based TV provider (which might be the same as the OSP))typically is not the same as the TV service provider (e.g., cable TVprovider, satellite TV provider multiple broadcast TV networks) and eachoperates independently of the other.

In FIG. 6, Featured Tuning is used to provide users with multiplesources of coordinated or related content (i.e., complementary content)that come from content sources that may be, but are not required to be,independent of one another. For example, Internet content providers maycreate a content screen that is complementary to the content of a mappedTV channel that appears in the PIP window on the content screen when theURL address is initially accessed.

Referring to FIG. 7, a set top box 600 may use any or all of a varietyof methods to gather web content and TV content from any of severaldifferent sources. As illustrated, the set top box 600 can gathercontent from a host computer system 603 (e.g., a web-based TV serviceprovider) via a public or private network and telephone lines 606, froma satellite 609 or a network TV broadcast 612 using microwave orwireless communications 615, or from a cable TV provider by means ofdirect cabling 618. The transport means shown in FIG. 7 are exemplaryonly, and are not necessarily comprehensive. In general, essentially anyavailable transport mechanism may be used to gather content frommultiple sources.

FIGS. 8–10 are mockups of screenshots showing examples of web pages witha TV content overlay and displaying content directly from a set-top box627. For example, FIG. 8 is a mockup of a screenshot of a “contentscreen” or “Internet-based TV page” 630 as it would be viewed by a userwho subscribes to an Internet provider 633 and a cable TV provider 636.Content screen 630 is a mosaic or tapestry of multiple content sources.Set-top box 627 receives content from multiple sources (cable TVprovider, satellite TV, computer network, broadcast TV signals, etc.)and can combine or otherwise manipulate the received content for displayon a TV monitor 639. Based on the input received from the set-top box627, the TV monitor 639 is capable of simultaneously displaying contentfrom two or more of the various content sources. For example, in thescreen shot 630, web-page content can be displayed in the background(e.g., a listing of soon-to-be released movies 642) while other computernetwork content (e.g., links 645 and/or advertisements 648, which can begenerated locally by the set-top box 627, received from the hostcomputer 633, or from a URL) can be displayed in display regions (e.g.,windows 651 and 654) overlaid on the background content. Additionally,TV content can be displayed in yet another window 657, the PIP windowoverlaid on the background content.

The particular content screen 630 in the example of FIG. 8 is directedto movies and therefore includes complementary content, such as themovie listing 642 in the background, the TV PIP display 657 of a moviechannel, the column of interactive links 645 to movie-related web pages,and the interactive hotspot 648 (a user-clickable link to a specifiedresource (e.g., a URL on the Internet) displaying advertising).Referring again to FIG. 6, if the web page accessed and displayed incontent screen 630 is http://www.bb.com, the display 657 containscomplementary channel 111, a movie channel, if that channel isavailable. The set-top box 627 can use various Featured tuningtechniques to automatically select and display complementary or relatedcontent.

That is, each or any of the various content sources (e.g., listing 642,movie channel 657, interactive links 645, hot spot advertisements 648)displayed in FIG. 8 can be altered automatically by the set-top box 627or selected in the first instance automatically by the set-top box basedon one or more content choices made by the user. Alternatively, or inaddition, Featured tuning can be based on a user's Channel Availabilityand/or on predetermined pairings of TV channels and web pages stored bythe set-top box or the host computer. When the user selects the URLaddress associated with a particular web page (for example, the web pagefrom which the listing 642 was retrieved), software or hardware in theset top box is used to select and display a complementary TV channel,for example, the movie channel. To accomplish this, the set-top box isprogrammed to compare the user-selected URL address to a list ofpredetermined channels that are eligible for display in the PIP, andthen to display a corresponding channel.

As described in FIG. 8 above, the user has a Channel Lineup thatincludes the movie channel, which is the primary complementary channeland is displayed in the PIP window when a particular URL address isaccessed. If another user does not have the movie channel as one of itssubscribed channels, another complementary channel, the secondarycomplementary channel, is displayed. For example, if the movie channelis a premium cable channel and a subscriber has not subscribed to thatchannel, a secondary complementary channel is displayed. If thesecondary channel is not available, a tertiary complementary channel isdisplayed. Multiple complementary channels can be mapped with an URLaddress and the software in the set-top box can be configured to comparethe complementary channels to the user's EPG to select the channel todisplay. The software can be programmed to cause there to be no PIP ifthere are no complementary channels. The software also can be programmedto display an ad as a substitute for the PIP if there are nocomplementary channels.

More specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a screenshot of the content screen630 of FIG. 8 as might be viewed by a viewer having the pairings of FIG.6 who is not a subscriber of the premium movie channel (channel 111 ofdata table 510 of FIG. 6) that is selected by the Internet contentprovider as the primary complementary channel. The screenshot 630 is thesame except that a PIP window 660 displays a secondary channel, anentertainment channel (channel 23) from cable TV, instead of the PIPwindow with the movie channel (channel 111).

When the user selects the URL address associated with the screen content630, software or hardware in the set-top box 627 compares the requestedURL address to a list of channels mapped to that address to determine ifthe primary complementary channel is available and subscribed. If notavailable or subscribed, the software goes through the mapping until acomplementary channel is displayed or no PIP window is displayed.Although the software will be the same for each set-top box, the mappingbetween URL addresses and complementary channels may vary betweenindividual users based on a number of reasons, such as (1) geographiclocale; (2) time zone; (3) identity of user's cable TV provider; (4)user's specified channel line-up; and (5) user-selected preferences. Themappings can be modified by downloading new information from a hostcomputer, or locally by the user.

FIG. 10 illustrates a screenshot showing content screen 630 as it wouldbe viewed by a broadcast TV user who does not have a subscription toeither of the movie or entertainment channels used as the primary andsecondary complementary channels, respectively, above. Based on thisuser's available TV programming, the Internet content provider hasdecided that there is not a related channel and, therefore, has notselected a tertiary complementary channel for inclusion in the mappingtable. This decision making is implemented by downloading data from thehost computer to the user's set-top box. Thus, when the broadcast TVuser selects the URL address (http://www.bb.com) associated with contentscreen 630, and the software or hardware in the set top box 627 comparesthe URL address to the mapped complementary channels (see FIG. 6) andfinds that a complementary channel is not mapped for that URL address, adefault PIP will be displayed. The default PIP may be a rearrangement ofthe content screen 630 to fill the space in which the PIP windownormally would be displayed. The rearrangement could include increasingthe size or prominence of the advertising hotspot 648, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

The above Featured Tuning examples are based on mapped pairings betweenURL addresses and TV channels. The mapping may be created, for example,by Internet content service providers, Internet-based TV serviceproviders, or users of either service. Internet or Internet-based TVservice providers may download the mapping into the set top box andstore it in memory there. Referring to FIG. 11, users may be prompted tocomplete a partially complete mapping table 660 that lists primary,secondary, and tertiary TV channels 663 and/or URL addresses 666, andallows users to complete the mapping by entering their preferredchannels and/or URL addresses into corresponding unmapped pairing boxes669. The mapping table 660 may include a list of complementary primary,secondary and tertiary channels 672 without a paired URL address 675.The table 660 also may include a completed pairing 678 of complementarychannels mapped with a corresponding URL address. The table also mayinclude a partially completed pairing 681 that includes a URL addressand a primary complementary channel, where users are prompted to enterthe secondary and tertiary paired channels. In partially completemapping table 660, the Internet or Internet-based TV service providerhas some input as to the pairings but permits users also to have inputinto the pairings. This may be useful, for example, for users that viewweb pages that have not been mapped by service providers and who want totake advantage of Featured Tuning.

In general, Featured Tuning that implements mapped pairings between URLaddresses and TV channels follows a flow chart 700 as illustrated inFIG. 12. Initially, a user selects a URL address (step 705) that causessoftware or hardware in the set top box to compare the selected URLaddress to a mapping between URL addresses and TV channels to find aprimary Feature Tuned channel (step 710). If that channel is available(step 715), it is displayed (step 720). If the primary Feature Tunedchannel is not available (step 715), the software or hardware comparesthe selected URL address to the mapping to find a secondary FeatureTuned channel (step 725). If that channel is available (step 730), it isdisplayed (step 735). If the secondary Feature Tuned channel is notavailable (step 730), the software or hardware compares the selected URLaddress to the mapping to find a tertiary Feature Tuned channel (step740). If that channel is available (step 745), it is displayed (step750). The mapping and software/hardware can be created such that asearch is made only for a primary Feature Tuned channel or for even morelevels of channels.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example showing that Featured Tuning can be usedto cause a default Feature Tuned channel to be displayed in the PIPwindow under a variety of circumstances. This capability providesassurance to the Internet-based TV provider that a particular mappedchannel always will be displayed at the time that the respective mappedURL address is accessed, although the Feature Tuned channel cansubsequently be changed. Initially, a user selects a URL address (step760), such as the URL address of a gardening website. Alternatively, theURL address may be called as a result of a Java script function executedfrom a different content screen. Next, a Feature Tuned TV channel, whichhas been mapped with the URL address specified by the user, is displayedin the PIP window when that URL is selected (step 765). At that point,the user can select a different channel for display in the PIP (i.e.,the user can override the Feature Tuned choice of TV channels) (step770). The user then may decide to select another URL address for viewing(step 775).

When the other URL address is accessed and the corresponding contentscreen is displayed, a corresponding Feature Tuned channel will bedisplayed. If the Featured Tuning Function has not been set to display achannel when the other URL address is accessed, a channel will not bedisplayed in the PIP window. This may be the case if the Internet-basedTV provider does not have a program in its lineup that has contentsimilar to the other web page and chooses not to map a channel to thatURL address. It also may be the case that, because of the large numberof URL addresses, a Internet-based TV provider may not have the interestor resources to map every URL address with a channel. After viewing thecontent of the different URL address, the user may again select theoriginally selected URL address (step 780), which causes the FeatureTuned channel to be displayed again in the PIP (step 785). To reiterate,Feature Tuning can be set such that accessing URL addresses causesselected Feature Tuned channels to be displayed in the PIP windowwhether or not the user is accessing that URL address for the first timein a viewing session, after initially viewing that URL address and thenselecting other URL addresses, or under other conditions.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another implementation of Featured Tuning inwhich Featured Tuning functions in a manner that is reverse to theimplementations previously illustrated. In FIG. 14, the user selects aTV channel to view (step 800), which causes the set top device tocompare a mapping 805 (FIG. 15) between TV channels 810 and URLaddresses 815 (step 820) to Feature Tune a corresponding, primary URLaddress 825 (step 830) based on the selected TV channel 835. If theprimary URL address 825 is available, it will be displayed (step 840).If it is not available, for example, through blocking or because it isnot functioning, the set top box searches the mapping for a secondaryURL address 845 (step 850), which is then displayed (step 855) ifavailable. Other levels or URL addresses also may be mapped to the TVchannel. This implementation can be used as a separate function. It alsocan be implemented, for example, with the method illustrated in theFeature Tuning example described above in FIG. 13, step 775, in whichthe user selects a different URL address to view. Implementing this“reverse” Featured Tuning ensures that the web page content displayedwith the user-selected channel is complementary to that channel.

The examples shown in FIGS. 6–15 provide illustrations of using FeaturedTuning to implement Content Differentiation by Channel Lineup so as tovary the TV channel displayed in the PIP window or elsewhere on webcontent screens. Content Differentiation by Channel Lineup also can beimplemented using Differentiation by Channel Availability so thatweb-based TV service providers can provide or publish a screen ofcontent in such a way that the content displayed can be varied as afunction of the cable channels available and subscribed to by asubscriber of a cable TV provider.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate one example of “Differentiation by ChannelAvailability,” in which the decision making method is used to decidewhat object, such as a URL address corresponding to an advertisement ora hyperlink to related subject matter content, to display in the webcontent screen. The decision making method is based on a specific TVchannel's status, i.e., availability of the channel in the user'sline-up. Initially, a user selects a URL address (step 900), whichcauses the set top box to perform the Featured Tuning function to selecta Feature Tuned channel for display in the PIP window (step 905), asdescribed above. The set top box may be programmed with a mapping asillustrated in FIG. 6. The set top box then determines what object ismapped with the Feature Tuned channel (step 910). The correspondingobject will then be displayed along with the Feature Tuned channel (step915). Referring to FIG. 17, the set top box is programmed with a mapping918 that includes TV channels 921 mapped with objects 924. The objects924 may be, for example, advertisements 927; generic objects 930, suchas a logo of the Internet-based TV service provider; secondary URLaddresses 933; or Java script functions 936. Typically, the objectdisplayed has a complementary relationship with the URL address and itsmapped Feature Tuned channel. For example, if the URL address is to agardening web page, the Feature Tuned channel may be to a TV channeldevoted to gardening and the displayed object 924 may be anadvertisement for gardening implements or a link to another relatedgardening web page. Although only a primary object 924 is shown in FIG.17, additional objects may be displayed with the primary object. Forexample, a second advertisement that is complementary to the FeatureTuned channel might be displayed in a different region on theweb-content screen.

Typically, the object mapped with a channel, and displayed when thatchannel is displayed, will be based on whether the TV channel is anational entity (e.g., NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox) or a local affiliate (e.g.,Washington, D.C. channel 4) of a national entity. For example, if theFeature Tuned channel is a CBS station that is broadcast nationwide bycable providers, the object associated with the channel may be a link toa listing and schedule of movies that will be broadcast by CBS to itsaffiliates over the next week. If the Feature Tuned channel is a localCBS affiliate viewed only in its local region and no object has beenmapped to the local affiliate, the object displayed will default to theobject mapped to the national entity, i.e., to the link to the listingand schedule of nationally broadcast CBS movies. If an object has beenmapped to the local affiliate, that object will be displayed when thelocal affiliate is displayed.

Because the Differentiation by Channel Availability decision makingfunction is programmed into a set top box, the function is notspecifically associated with an Internet user or that user's Internetaccount. Thus, if two Internet users at different times access theInternet through the same set top box, both users will view the sameFeature Tuned channels and objects selected by Differentiation byChannel Availability associated with the same URL addresses. This is incontrast to the situation where two users in different geographicregions with different subscribed channels access the same URL addressbut may see different TV channels in the PIP window and objectsdisplayed on the web page. This difference results from the functionbeing programmed to display channels based on whether that channel isavailable and part of the user's subscription. If a channel is notavailable and part of the user's subscription because, for example, ofregional differences in Channel Availability, another channel will bedisplayed. As illustrated in FIG. 17, objects are mapped to channelsand, therefore, the object displayed will be the object mapped to thechannel displayed.

One rationale for this method of differentiation is that the relevantinterests of people viewing the same channel are likely to be similar.Thus, for example, two people viewing a Feature Tuned travel channel arelikely to be interested in travel and also are likely to be interestedin viewing complementary objects, such as objects directed to travel.Consequently, two people using the same set top box to access a web pagerelating to travel, and which is mapped to a Feature Tuned channelrelating to travel, are likely to be interested in viewing an objectrelated to travel. Numerous other examples exist of channels directed toa narrow topic likely to be viewed by people having similar interests insome areas, such as channels directed to the weather, wrestling,gardening, or politics. Accordingly there is a significant probabilitythat objects directed to certain topics will be of interest to viewersof complementary channels that relate to associated topics and,therefore, there is a benefit to creating the mapping betweencomplementary URL addresses, Feature Tuned channels and objects in a settop box in a manner independent of the user.

FIGS. 18–20 illustrate another example of “Differentiation by ChannelAvailability,” in which the decision-making method is used to decidewhich graphics template, corresponding to formats of various web pages,to display as a web content screen based on a specific TV channel'sstatus, i.e., the availability of the channel in the user's line-up. Inthis manner, the Internet-based TV provider can change the format of theweb content screen based on the availability, or lack thereof, of aFeature Tuned channel. For example, if a certain Feature Tuned channelis available, various hot spots, links, and objects may be displayedthat rely on and relate to the channel. If the channel is not available,the format of the web content screen may be varied by necessity todisplay other hot spots, links, and objects that do not rely on the userviewing the channel but that may nonetheless relate to the content ofthe channel.

In this method, the user selects a URL address (step 1000), such as agardening website, which causes the set top box to compare the mappingbetween the URL addresses and the Feature Tuned channels, as describedabove with reference to FIG. 6, to determine the availability of aFeature Tuned channel associated with that URL address (step 1005).

If there is no Feature Tuned channel associated with that URL address(step 1010), the set top box, based on information either stored locallyor received from a host computer, displays a text or graphics template(step 1015), which is a template for the web content screen 1016 and mayinclude links 1017, hotspots 1018, advertisements 1019, and other screenreal estate complementary to the URL address, as illustrated in FIG. 19.Because the particular Feature Tuned channel is unavailable, thetemplate displayed may, for example, provide information relating to thecontent displayed on the unavailable Feature Tuned channel. The text orgraphics template also may include an ad for the unavailable FeatureTuned channel. The ad may include a link to email the user's TV providerwith a request to either order the channel or have the channel added tothe provider's line-up.

Thus, if the unavailable Feature Tuned channel is a gardening channel,the template displayed may include, for example, a number of photographs1020 and 1021 from the show currently broadcast on that channel toillustrate typical information that is provided as part of the show. Theunderlying notion is to provide the viewer with a taste of what thiscurrently unsubscribed channel offers, and thereby entice the viewer tosubscribe to that channel. In other words, the template acts as anabstract and/or advertisement for the unsubscribed channel. If theFeature Tuned channel is available (step 1010), the Internet providermay display a different content screen 1024 that may have a differenttext and graphics template, but one that includes a PIP window 1025displaying the Feature Tuned channel (step 1027) that replacesphotographs 1020 and 1021 of FIG. 19.

In addition, HTML and/or Java script code that is downloaded as part ofa web page's content or as part of a template may be differentiatedbased on a channel's availability. Referring again to FIG. 18, if theFeature Tuned channel is not available (step 1010), the set top box mayexecute, along with the text or graphics template, a HTML and/or Javascript code (step 1030). Because the channel is not available, the codemay provide hyperlinks 1032 to information related to the subject matterof the broadcast displayed on the Feature Tuned channel. If theunavailable Feature Tuned channel is a gardening channel, the code mayprovide hyperlinks to gardening web pages and related advertisements bycausing a window to be displayed that includes those hyperlinks.

On the other hand, if the Feature Tuned channel is available (step1010), the set top box can execute with the Feature Tuned channel adifferent HTML and/or Java script code 1034 (step 1035) that may moreclosely relate to the Feature Tuned channel than would the code executedwhen the Featured Tuned channel is unavailable. Assuming still that theFeature Tuned channel is the gardening channel, the code also mayinclude hyperlinks to a web page produced in connection with the FeatureTuned channel.

FIGS. 18–20 also illustrate an implementation of “Differentiation byChannel Availability” (i.e., the decision-making method used to decidewhat to display based on a specific TV channel's status, such as itsavailability in the user's line-up) applied to advertising. In thismanner, the Internet-based TV provider can vary the advertising based ona channel's availability. Referring again to FIG. 18, if the FeatureTuned channel is not available (step 1010), the set top devices can beprogrammed to display the advertisements 1019 (step 1040). Because inthis case the channel is not available, the advertisements may bedesigned so that they do not rely on viewing the channel to providecontext for the product promoted. Again, if the unavailable FeatureTuned channel is a gardening channel, the advertisement may be to aproduct used on the show. Moreover, the advertisement may provide anin-depth description of a feature of the product that would otherwise beevident only from viewing the channel.

If the Feature Tuned channel is available (step 1010), the Internetprovider also can display a different advertisement 1043 (step 1045)that may be closely related to a product included in a broadcast on theFeature Tuned channel and for which less information is necessary forsomeone viewing the broadcast. Assuming still that the Feature Tunedchannel is the gardening channel, the advertisements may be briefdisplays of information on how to order a product that was used on aprogram associated with that channel. In this case, the internationalcontent of the advertisement can be abbreviated based on context thatthe viewer receives from the Feature Tuned channel. As a result,advertisement space usage and efficiency are enhanced. After viewing theprogram, the viewer likely would have enough information about theproduct to have made a purchase decision, i.e., to buy or not to buy.Thus, the purchasing-inclined viewer would be interested in learning howto purchase the product, and less interested in seeing repetitiveinformation about the product.

Another reason to differentiate advertising by Channel Availability isthe undesirability of displaying advertisements for a program, orclosely related to the subject matter of the program, if that channel isunavailable in the user's Channel Lineup. That is, in one sense,displaying advertisements for unavailable programs could be viewed as aninefficient usage of ad space. On the other hand, depending on theInternet-based TV service provider's preferences, displaying ads forcurrently unavailable programs could entice the viewer to subscribe tothe corresponding channel.

As described above, in a typical implementation of ContentDifferentiation by Channel Lineup using Featured Tuning andDifferentiation by Channel Availability, the web-based TV providerdetermines each subscriber's Channel Lineup (i.e., set of availablechannels). AOLTV, a Web-based TV service offered by America Online, forexample, provides a set top box that has the ability to perform a“Channel Scan”, which is defined as the ability to scan the signalsreceived by the TV tuner and determine the channels available andsubscribed. The scan may be performed periodically to sense andcompensate for changes in Channel Availability and/or as a result of auser's changing his/her cable TV subscription. The set top box performsthe “Channel Scan” using software provided, for example, by theInternet-based TV content provider. The results of the Channel Scan arestored in the set top box and are used along with the mapping betweenthe URL addresses and Feature Tuned channels to cause an available andsubscribed channel to be displayed when a URL address is accessed. Theresults also are used to determine what objects, as described above, todisplay on the web content screen.

FIG. 21 illustrates a decision-making method that could be used on a settop box, for example, that involves scanning for Channel Availabilityand subscription status, and Featured tuning. First, a user selects aURL address, such as a movie-related page, which starts adecision-making hierarchy to determine what to display in a PIP (step1100). The set top box then performs a Channel Availability scan of theTV tuner in the set top box to determine which channels are available toviewers in that locale (step 1105).

The set top box next performs a subscription status scan to determinethe subscription status of each available channel, i.e., which availablechannels have been subscribed to for that set top box (step 1110). Theset top box compares the preferred Feature Tuned channel for theuser-selected URL address with the subscribed channels to determine ifthe preferred Feature Tuned channel is available for display (step 1115). If the channel is available, it is displayed, for example, in thePIP (step 1120). If the channel is unavailable, the set top box analyzesthe available channels to determine if an alternate channel is available(step 1125). This step is repeated based on decision-making criteriauntil an alternate channel is displayed in the PIP or until it isdetermined that no corresponding channel is available (in which case thePIP optionally may not be displayed).

Although FIG. 21 only illustrates the scan and Featured Tuning aspects,other features described above may be employed. For example, applyingDifferentiation by Channel Availability to text/graphics, HTML and Javascript code, and advertising can be used to ensure that the contentdisplayed is complementary to the displayed Feature Tuned channel. Inthis manner, the set top box scans the available channels, displays aFeature Tuned channel in the PIP, and then determines what othercomplementary content should be displayed, such as links to related webpages, advertisements, and related text or graphics.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here maybe realized in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware,firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. A system or otherapparatus that uses one or more of the techniques and methods describedhere may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium,configured with a computer program, where the storage medium soconfigured causes a computer system to operate on input and/or generateoutput in a specific and predefined manner. Such a computer system mayinclude one or more programmable processors that receive data andinstructions from, and transmit data and instructions to, a data storagesystem, and suitable input and output devices.

Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural orobject-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine languageif desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled orinterpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example,both general and special purpose microprocessors.

Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from aread-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitablefor tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data includeall forms of non-volatile memory, including semiconductor memorydevices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic diskssuch as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks;and CD-ROM disks.

Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or implemented in,specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a first URLaddress corresponding to a first web page; accessing content and servingthe first web page based on the first URL address; receivingspecification of a second URL address corresponding to a second webpage; changing from the first web page to the second web page based onthe received specification of the second URL address; motivating anautomatic change in television channel from a first television channelto a second television channel based upon a change from the first webpage to the second web page; and displaying the second televisionchannel.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: browsing theInternet based on the second URL address to identify second contentrelevant to the second URL address; and displaying the second content.3. The method of claim 2 further comprising receiving the identifiedcontent from a source other than a broadcast signal.
 4. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising: browsing the Internet based on the first URLaddress to identify first content relevant to the first URL address;displaying the first content; determining the first television channelbased on the first URL address; and displaying the first televisionchannel.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein motivating an automatic changefurther comprises: determining the second television channel based uponthe second URL address; and changing the television channel from thefirst television channel to the second television channel in response toreceipt of the second URL address.
 6. The method of claim 5 furthercomprising: browsing the Internet based on the second URL address toidentify second content relevant to the second URL address; anddisplaying the second content; and wherein determining the secondtelevision channel comprises determining the second television channelincluding television content relevant to but different from the secondcontent.
 7. The method of claim 5 further comprising: receiving a userinput specifying a user-selected television channel having televisioncontent different from and unrelated to the second television channel;and displaying the user-selected television channel in place of thesecond television channel and concurrently displaying the second contentrelevant to the second URL address.
 8. The method of claim 5 whereindetermining the second television channel comprises: performing achannel availability scan to create a list of channels available fromthe television provider; performing a subscription status scan on thelisted channels available to create a subset list of subscribedchannels; identifying a primary related television channel based on thesecond URL address; determining whether the primary related televisionchannel is one of the listed subscriber channels; if so, selecting, fordisplay, the primary related television channel; if not, identifying asecondary related television channel based on the second URL address;determining whether the secondary related television channel is one ofthe listed subscriber channels; and if so, selecting, for display, thesecondary related television channel.
 9. The method of claim 5 whereindetermining the second television channel comprises: comparing thesecond URL address to a list of television channels comprising at leasta primary related television channel; and selecting, for display, theprimary related television channel.
 10. The method of claim 9 whereindetermining the second television channel further comprises: determiningwhether the primary related television channel is available; and if not,identifying a secondary related television channel based on the secondURL address; determining whether the secondary related televisionchannel is available; and if so, selecting, for display, the secondaryrelated television channel.
 11. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising, if the secondary related television channel is notavailable, calling a third URL address.
 12. The method of claim 10further comprising, if the secondary related television channel is notavailable, executing a Java script function.
 13. The method of claim 10further comprising selecting, for display, a text/graphics template ifneither the primary related television channel nor the secondary relatedtelevision channel are available.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising selecting, for execution, an HTML code based on thetext/graphics template selected.
 15. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising selecting, for execution, a Java script code based on thetext/graphics template selected.
 16. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising selecting, for display, an advertisement based on thetext/graphics template selected.
 17. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising selecting, for display, a text/graphics template based on thesecond television channel.
 18. The method of claim 9 further comprisingselecting, for execution, an HTML code based on the second televisionchannel.
 19. The method of claim 9 further comprising selecting, forexecution, a Java script code based on the second television channel.20. The method of claim 9 further comprising selecting, for display, anadvertisement hot spot based on the second television channel.
 21. Themethod of claim 1 wherein receiving the user input specifying the secondURL address further comprises executing a Java script function tospecify the second URL address.
 22. The method of claim 1 whereinspecifying the second URL address comprises specifying the second URLaddress based on input received from a user.
 23. The method of claim 1further comprising: receiving a user input specifying a user-selectedtelevision channel having content different from the second televisionchannel; and displaying the user-selected television channel in place ofthe second television channel and concurrently displaying second contentrelevant to the second URL address.
 24. The method of claim 23 furthercomprising receiving a user input specifying the second URL address anddisplaying the second television channel.
 25. The method of claim 23further comprising selecting, for display on the video display, anobject relating to the second television channel.
 26. The method ofclaim 25 wherein selecting the object for display comprises comparingthe second television channel with a mapping of objects and selecting aprimary related object corresponding to the second television channel.27. A computer program, stored in a computer-readable medium, comprisinginstructions for causing a computer system to: receive a first URLaddress corresponding to a first web page; access content and serve thefirst web page based on the first URL address; receive specification ofa second URL address corresponding to a second web page; change from thefirst web page to the second web page based on the receivedspecification of the second URL address; motivate an automatic change intelevision channel from a first television channel to a secondtelevision channel based upon a change from the first web page to thesecond web page; and display the second television channel.
 28. Thecomputer program of claim 27 further comprising instructions for causinga computer system to receive the identified content from a source otherthan a broadcast signal.
 29. The computer program of claim 27 whereininstructions for causing a computer system to motivate an automaticchange further comprises instructions for causing a computer system to:determine the second television channel based upon the second URLaddress; and change the television channel from the first televisionchannel to the second television channel in response to receipt of thesecond URL address.
 30. The computer program of claim 29 furthercomprising instructions for causing a computer system to: browse theInternet based on the second URL address to identify second contentrelevant to the second URL address; and display the second content; andwherein instructions for causing a computer system to determine thesecond television channel comprises instructions for causing a computersystem to determine the second television channel including televisioncontent relevant to but different from the second content.
 31. Thecomputer program of claim 29 further comprising instructions for causinga computer system to: receive a user input specifying a user-selectedtelevision channel having television content different from andunrelated to the second television channel; and display theuser-selected television channel in place of the second televisionchannel and concurrently display the second content relevant to thesecond URL address.
 32. The computer program of claim 29 whereininstructions for causing a computer system to determine the secondtelevision channel comprises instructions for causing a computer systemto: perform a channel availability scan to create a list of channelsavailable from the television provider; perform a subscription statusscan on the listed channels available to create a subset list ofsubscribed channels; identify a primary related television channel basedon the second URL address; determine whether the primary relatedtelevision channel is one of the listed subscriber channels; if so,select, for display, the primary related television channel; if not,identify a secondary related television channel based on the second URLaddress; determine whether the secondary related television channel isone of the listed subscriber channels; and if so, select, for display,the secondary related television channel.
 33. The computer program ofclaim 29 wherein instructions for causing a computer system to determinethe second television channel comprises instructions for causing acomputer system to: compare the second URL address to a list oftelevision channels comprising at least a primary related televisionchannel; and select, for display, the primary related televisionchannel.
 34. The computer program of claim 33 wherein instructions forcausing a computer system to determine the second television channelfurther comprises instructions for causing a computer system to:determine whether the primary related television channel is available;and if not, identify a secondary related television channel based on thesecond URL address; determine whether the secondary related televisionchannel is available; and if so, select, for display, the secondaryrelated television channel.
 35. The computer program of claim 27 furthercomprising instructions for causing a computer system to: receive a userinput specifying a user-selected television channel having contentdifferent from the second television channel; and display theuser-selected television channel in place of the second televisionchannel and concurrently display second content relevant to the secondURL address.
 36. A computer program, stored in a computer-readablemedium, the computer program comprising: means for receiving a first URLaddress corresponding to a first web page; means for accessing contentand serve the first web page based on the first URL address; means forreceiving specification of a second URL address corresponding to asecond web page; means for changing from the first web page to thesecond web page based on the received specification of the second URLaddress; means for motivating an automatic change in television channelfrom a first television channel to a second television channel basedupon a change from the first web page to the second web page; and meansfor displaying the second television channel.
 37. The computer programof claim 36 further comprising means for receiving the identifiedcontent from a source other than a broadcast signal.
 38. The computerprogram of claim 36 wherein means for motivating an automatic changefurther comprises: means for determining the second television channelbased upon the second URL address; and means for changing the televisionchannel from the first television channel to the second televisionchannel in response to receipt of the second URL address.
 39. Thecomputer program of claim 38 further comprising: means for browsing theInternet based on the second URL address to identify second contentrelevant to the second URL address; and means for displaying the secondcontent; and wherein means for determining the second television channelcomprises means for determining the second television channel includingtelevision content relevant to but different from the second content.40. The computer program of claim 38 further comprising: means forreceiving a user input specifying a user-selected television channelhaving television content different from and unrelated to the secondtelevision channel; and means for displaying the user-selectedtelevision channel in place of the second television channel andconcurrently displaying the second content relevant to the second URLaddress.
 41. The computer program of claim 38 wherein means fordetermining the second television channel comprises: means forperforming a channel availability scan to create a list of channelsavailable from the television provider; means for performing asubscription status scan on the listed channels available to create asubset list of subscribed channels; means for identifying a primaryrelated television channel based on the second URL address; means fordetermining whether the primary related television channel is one of thelisted subscriber channels; if so, means for selecting, for display, theprimary related television channel; if not, means for identifying asecondary related television channel based on the second URL address;means for determining whether the secondary related television channelis one of the listed subscriber channels; and if so, means forselecting, for display, the secondary related television channel. 42.The computer program of claim 38 wherein means for determining thesecond television channel comprises: means for comparing the second URLaddress to a list of television channels comprising at least a primaryrelated television channel; and means for selecting, for display, theprimary related television channel.
 43. The computer program of claim 42wherein means for determining the second television channel furthercomprises: means for determining whether the primary related televisionchannel is available; and if not, means for identifying a secondaryrelated television channel based on the second URL address; means fordetermining whether the secondary related television channel isavailable; and if so, means for selecting, for display, the secondaryrelated television channel.
 44. The computer program of claim 36 furthercomprising: means for receiving a user input specifying a user-selectedtelevision channel having content different from the second televisionchannel; and means for displaying the user-selected television channelin place of the second television channel and concurrently displayingsecond content relevant to the second URL address.